A review of School of Pharmacy Library

One sunlit spring afternoon, I wandered over to the UCL School of Pharmacy library residing on the outskirts of the Brunswick Square Gardens, hidden behind a grandiose art deco style entrance. As I passed through the doors on the first floor I was greeted by a most uplifting vibrant passageway of student feedback and encouragement filling a whiteboard, of dynamic origami forms gracing the walls, and by a colossal unfinished jigsaw puzzle which immediately stopped me in my tracks. My eyes darted from corner to corner in search of identifying features and various shades of green and yellow hues. Once I had peeled myself from the mesmerising spread of floral-patterned pieces, I relocated to the main library space, this time welcomed by two cats. They sat poised proudly upon the reception desk, wearing their UCL lanyards. 

It was clear that although this was a calm and secluded study space, it was also home to creativity and character. Quietly, I made my way around the library taking in the sights. I was struck by the fantastic array of desks, some with desktop computers, others in rows with polite dividers, whilst a selection were situated in seclusion. A wonderful collection  of archived objects featured throughout the library in tall glass cases, bringing to life the subject; it is always so interesting to see how knowledge and practice are brought together. On my visit, these display cabinets held a collection of containers and glass bottles, alongside scales, early textbooks and chunky hardback books. This mini museum contributed significantly to the identity of the space. 

Centrally, successions of shelves filled the library, displaying a wide range of specialist books and journals. While these weighty records of knowledge stood at the heart of the space, it was the gathering of study spaces around the edges that were alive with activity. It was here where students passionately scribbled away, burrowed into books and laptop screens, that added to the personality of the library. 

Although the library appeared to be modest in size, it was home to a variety of essential resources and equipment available to UCL staff and students. Alongside the abundance of content that can be borrowed, visitors are welcome to scan and photocopy documents (subject to copyright), use the study space facilities, as well as borrow laptops and speak directly to the friendly and expert library staff. 

If you’re curious about this hidden gem and want to plan your trip, it is worth noting that your UCL ID card will be required in order to enter the building and you access the library via the stairwell. 

Located just a hop and a skip from the Brunswick Centre, and a heartbeat from the Brunswick Gardens, this library is well-suited to a spring-time study schedule, but perfect at any time. With places to grab a coffee on your way in or a commemorative bench during your lunch break, the UCL School of Pharmacy Library could be your first-choice study space as the days grow longer and brighter.